TVNZ to show 22 World Cup matches

TVNZ will broadcast 22 World Cup soccer matches live and free-to-air in June and July, including every All Whites match on TV One.

The broadcaster confirmed its World Cup schedule today, with 11 matches to be shown live on TV One and 11 others live on free-to-air digital channel TVNZ 7.

TV One's live matches will include the opening ceremony and opening match between South Africa and Mexico on June 12 (NZT), all of the All Whites' matches, one second round match, two quarterfinals, both semifinals, the playoff for third, and the final on July 12 (NZT).

Daily highlights will screen on TV One before the 6pm news, repeated at 11pm.

TVNZ 7 will screen the following matches live: England v USA, Australia v Germany, Spain v Honduras and Portugal v Brazil, along with five of the eight second-round games and two quarterfinals.

"We have chosen an initial schedule based on favourites and form but if there's an upset, an unexpected pairing or a crucial match as the knockout stages unfold, we have the ability to alter our line-up accordingly - that also allows for the possibility of the All Whites qualifying for the knockout stage," TVNZ's general manager of sport Murray Needham said in a statement.

Radio broadcaster Martin Devlin will anchor TVNZ's coverage.

- NZPA